The Stranger and His Friend
Dublin Core
Title
Description
Hath often crossed me on my way,
Who sued so humbly for relief,
That I could never answer "Nay."
I had not power to ask his name,
Whither he went, or whence he came;
Yet there was something in his eye
That won my love - I know not why!
Once, when my scanty meal was spread,
He entered - not a word he spake;
Just perishing for want of bread,
I gave him all, he blessed it, brake,
And ate, but gave me part again;
Mine was an angel's portion then,
And while I fed with eager haste,
The crust was manna to my taste!
I spied him where a fountain burst
Clear from the rock; his strength was gone; -
The heedless water mock'd his thirst,
He heard it - saw it hurrying on;
I ran and raised the sufferer up:
Thrice from the stream he drained my cup -
Dipt, and returned it, running o'er,
I drank, and never thirsted more!
'Twas night - the floods were out - it blew
A winter hurricane aloof;
I heard his voice abroad, and flew
To bid him welcome to my roof;
I warmed, I clothed, I fed my guest,
I laid him on my couch to rest,
Then made the earth my bed, and seemed
In Eden's garden, while I dreamed!
Stript, wounded, beaten nigh to death,
I found him by the highway side;
I roused his pulse, brought back his breath,
Revived his spirit, and supplied
Wine, oil, refreshment - he was healed;
I had, myself, a wound conceal'd,
But from that hour forgot the smart,
And peace bound up my broken heart!
In prison I saw him next, condemned
To meet a traitor's doom at morn;
The tide of lying tongues was stemmed,
And honored him 'midst shame and scorn.
My friendship's utmost zeal to try,
He asked - if I for him would die;
The flesh was weak - my blood ran chill,
But the free spirit cried, "I will!"
Then, in a moment, to my view,
The Stranger darted from disguise;
The tokens in his hands I knew -
My SAVIOUR stood before mine eyes!
He spake, and my poor name he named -
"Of me thou hast not been ashamed;
"These deeds shall thy memorial be -
"Fear not, thou didst them unto me!"
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